How to Import Eagle Files into EasyEDA: Complete Migration Guide for PCB Designers

With Autodesk planning to discontinue Eagle as a standalone product, many PCB designers are looking for alternatives to preserve their existing designs. EasyEDA has emerged as a popular destination for Eagle users, offering a free, browser-based platform with tight integration to JLCPCB’s manufacturing services. If you’re sitting on years of Eagle schematics, board layouts, and component libraries, the good news is that importing Eagle files into EasyEDA is straightforward—once you know the quirks.

This guide walks through everything you need to successfully migrate your Eagle projects to EasyEDA, from preparing your files to troubleshooting the inevitable hiccups that come with any EDA tool migration.

Why PCB Engineers Are Moving from Eagle to EasyEDA

Before jumping into the technical process, it’s worth understanding why this migration path has become so common.

Cost considerations drive many transitions. While Eagle’s free tier has limitations on board size and layers, EasyEDA offers unrestricted access to most features at no cost. For hobbyists and small teams, this makes a real difference.

Manufacturing integration appeals to production-focused engineers. EasyEDA connects directly to JLCPCB and LCSC, allowing one-click ordering with pre-checked design rules. The parts library links to in-stock components with real-time pricing and availability data.

Eagle’s uncertain future concerns long-time users. Since Autodesk acquired Eagle and began merging functionality into Fusion 360, the standalone product’s trajectory has worried engineers who prefer dedicated PCB tools over all-in-one platforms.

Accessibility advantages matter for distributed teams. EasyEDA runs entirely in a browser, requiring no installation and enabling collaboration from any machine with internet access.

Understanding Eagle File Types Before Import

Eagle uses several file formats, and EasyEDA handles each differently. Knowing what you’re working with prevents confusion during the import process.

Eagle File Type	Extension	Description	EasyEDA Support
Schematic	.SCH	Circuit schematic drawings	Supported (v6.0+)
Board Layout	.BRD	PCB layout with routing	Supported (v6.0+)
Library	.LBR	Components (symbols + footprints)	Supported (v6.0+)
Project	.EPF	Project configuration file	Not directly imported
Script	.SCR	Automation scripts	Not supported
User Language Program	.ULP	Custom automation	Not supported

Critical version requirement: EasyEDA only supports Eagle files from version 6.0 and later. Eagle 6.0 introduced an XML-based file format, replacing the earlier encrypted binary format. Files from Eagle 5.x and earlier cannot be directly imported—you’ll need access to a newer Eagle installation to resave them first.

Preparing Your Eagle Files for Import into EasyEDA

Proper preparation prevents most import failures. Spend a few minutes on these steps before attempting any import.

Check Your Eagle Version

Open your Eagle file and look at the file header. If it’s from a version earlier than 6.0, you’ll need to convert it:

1. Open the file in Eagle 6.0 or later
2. Go to File → Save a Copy As
3. Select 7.x and above format
4. Save the converted file

If you don’t have access to Eagle, the Format Converter tool in EasyEDA Pro can sometimes handle older files, though results vary.

Gather All Required Files

A complete Eagle project typically includes multiple files. For successful import, collect:

• All .SCH schematic files
• The .BRD board layout file
• All .LBR library files used in the design
• Any custom library files your project references

Missing library files cause the most common import problems. When EasyEDA can’t find component definitions, it imports schematics without proper footprint associations.

Clean Up Garbled Characters

Some Eagle files contain character encoding issues that break the import process. If you encounter errors, open the Eagle file in a text editor (these are XML files in version 6.0+) and search for:

• Non-ASCII characters in unexpected places
• Strange symbols in component names or values
• Corrupted text strings

Remove or replace problematic characters before attempting import again.

Step-by-Step Process to Import Eagle Files into EasyEDA

EasyEDA offers two editions: Standard (Std) and Professional (Pro). Both support Eagle imports, but the process differs slightly. Pro tends to handle more complex files better, so consider using it for problematic imports.

Importing Eagle Files in EasyEDA Standard Edition

Method 1: Direct File Import

1. Open EasyEDA in your browser at easyeda.com
2. Click File → Open → Eagle
3. Select your .SCH, .BRD, or .LBR file
4. Choose your import option:
   1. Import File: Imports the design only
   1. Import File and Extract Libs: Imports design plus extracts all component libraries (recommended)
5. Wait for processing to complete
6. Review the imported design in the editor

Method 2: Using the Import Menu

1. Navigate to File → Import → Eagle
2. Select the file type you’re importing
3. Browse to your Eagle file
4. Click Import and wait for conversion

Importing Eagle Files in EasyEDA Pro Edition

EasyEDA Pro provides a more robust import process:

1. Open EasyEDA Pro (pro.easyeda.com)
2. From the Start Page, go to Quick Start → Import Other → Import EAGLE
3. Alternatively, use Top Menu → File → Import → EAGLE
4. Select your Eagle files (you can import multiple files at once)
5. For best results, compress your schematic and PCB files into a ZIP archive before importing
6. Monitor the progress indicator and wait for completion

Importing Eagle Library Files Separately

Often you’ll want to import Eagle libraries independently to build your component database:

1. Go to File → Import → Eagle → Library Component
2. Select the .LBR file from your computer
3. EasyEDA displays available symbols and footprints
4. Check the boxes next to components you want to import
5. Click Add to My Library

For large libraries, the import dialog lacks a search filter, so finding specific components requires scrolling through the entire list.

EasyEDA Pro vs Standard Edition for Eagle Imports

Understanding the differences helps you choose the right tool for your migration.

Feature	EasyEDA Standard	EasyEDA Pro
Eagle Version Support	6.0+	6.0+
Import Method	Browser-based	Browser + Format Converter
Complex File Handling	Basic	Better for problematic files
Batch Import	Limited	Supported via ZIP files
Library Extraction	Manual per-component	More automated
Error Recovery	Basic	More options
Recommended For	Simple projects	Complex or problematic imports

If the Standard edition fails to import your files, try the Pro edition before attempting other workarounds. Many users report that Pro handles edge cases better.

Common Eagle to EasyEDA Import Problems and Solutions

Even well-prepared files can encounter issues. Here are the problems I’ve seen most often and how to resolve them.

“Unexpected Error While Converting” Message

This generic error appears when EasyEDA can’t parse the file content.

Solutions:

• Resave the file in a newer Eagle version (7.x or later preferred)
• Open the file in a text editor and remove garbled characters
• Try importing with EasyEDA Pro instead of Standard
• Check for special characters in component names or net names

Missing Footprints After Import

Schematics import successfully, but components show “NONE PACKAGE” when converting to PCB.

Cause: The schematic symbols imported, but their associated footprints didn’t.

Solutions:

• Use Import File and Extract Libs instead of plain Import
• Import the .LBR library files separately before importing schematics
• Manually assign footprints from EasyEDA’s library to orphaned components

Copper Area Conflicts

Error messages about overlapping copper areas with different net names indicate polygon pour issues.

Solutions:

• Review copper pours in the imported layout
• Delete and recreate problem polygon areas
• Check that ground and power planes don’t overlap incorrectly

Missing Connections After Import

Schematic imports but shows missing or broken connections between components.

Cause: Net naming inconsistencies or unsupported schematic structures.

Solutions:

• Verify the original Eagle file has no ERC errors before export
• Check that all net labels match exactly across schematic sheets
• Manually reconnect wires where the import broke connectivity

Layer Mapping Issues

Eagle layers don’t all translate directly to EasyEDA equivalents.

Eagle Layer	Typical EasyEDA Mapping
Top (1)	Top Layer
Bottom (16)	Bottom Layer
tPlace (21)	Top Silk Screen
bPlace (22)	Bottom Silk Screen
tNames (25)	Top Silk Screen
Dimension (20)	Board Outline
Milling (46)	May require manual recreation
Restrict (41,42,43)	Not automatically imported

Restriction layers and milling layers often need manual recreation in EasyEDA. Check your board outline carefully after import—the Dimension layer should create the board edge, but complex shapes may not translate perfectly.

Verifying Your Imported Eagle Design in EasyEDA

Never assume an import succeeded without verification. Run through this checklist after every migration.

Schematic Verification

1. Check component count: Compare total parts between Eagle and EasyEDA
2. Verify net connectivity: Run ERC (Electrical Rules Check) in EasyEDA
3. Confirm footprint assignments: Look for any “NONE PACKAGE” warnings
4. Review net names: Ensure power and ground nets transferred correctly
5. Check hierarchical sheets: Multi-sheet designs sometimes lose inter-sheet connections

PCB Layout Verification

1. Compare board dimensions: Measure the imported board size
2. Verify layer count: Confirm inner layers exist for multilayer boards
3. Check copper pours: Rebuild all polygon pours after import
4. Review via assignments: Ensure vias connect correct layers
5. Run DRC: Execute Design Rules Check to catch violations

Component Library Verification

1. Check pin counts: Verify all pins exist on symbols and footprints
2. Verify pad sizes: Measure critical pads against original specifications
3. Test symbol-footprint linking: Ensure proper associations exist

Tips for Successful Eagle to EasyEDA Migration

Based on handling dozens of migrations, these practices produce the best results.

Import libraries first, then schematics, then PCB. This sequence ensures component definitions exist before designs reference them.

Keep original Eagle files intact. Work with copies during import so you can retry with different approaches without losing original data.

Import incrementally for complex projects. Large multi-sheet designs may import better sheet-by-sheet rather than all at once.

Document your layer mappings. Record which Eagle layers map to which EasyEDA layers for consistency across multiple projects.

Use EasyEDA Pro for stubborn files. The Pro edition handles more edge cases than Standard, often succeeding where Standard fails.

Check the EasyEDA forums for file-specific issues. Other users may have solved the exact problem you’re encountering.

Useful Resources for Eagle to EasyEDA Migration

These resources provide additional help when you encounter problems beyond basic import issues.

Official Documentation

• EasyEDA Standard Import Guide: https://docs.easyeda.com/en/Import/Import-Eagle/
• EasyEDA Pro Import Guide: https://prodocs.easyeda.com/en/import-export/import-eagle/
• EasyEDA Format Converter: https://prodocs.easyeda.com/en/import-export/easyeda-pro-format-converter/

Community Support

• EasyEDA Forums: https://easyeda.com/forum – Active community with searchable discussions of import problems
• EasyEDA Discord/Community: Real-time help from other users

Component Libraries

• LCSC Component Database: Integrated into EasyEDA with verified footprints
• SnapEDA: https://www.snapeda.com – Download components in Eagle or EasyEDA format
• Ultra Librarian: https://www.ultralibrarian.com – Multi-format component downloads
• SamacSys Library Loader: https://www.samacsys.com – Free component library tools

Format Conversion Alternatives

If direct import fails completely:

• KiCad: Can import Eagle files and export to other formats
• Altium Designer: EasyEDA can export to Altium format as an intermediate step

FAQs About Importing Eagle Files into EasyEDA

Can I import Eagle files older than version 6.0 into EasyEDA?

Not directly. Eagle files prior to version 6.0 use an encrypted binary format that EasyEDA cannot read. You’ll need to open these files in Eagle 6.0 or later and resave them in the newer XML format before importing. If you don’t have access to Eagle, try the EasyEDA Pro Format Converter, though results with very old files are inconsistent. Some users have had success asking in the EasyEDA forums for someone to convert their files.

Will my Eagle design look exactly the same after importing into EasyEDA?

Expect minor differences. While EasyEDA does an excellent job translating most Eagle features, some elements translate imperfectly. Text alignment may shift, certain graphic primitives like filled polygons on schematic symbols may not import correctly, and restriction layers typically need manual recreation. Copper pours rebuild automatically but may need parameter adjustments. Always verify critical dimensions and spacing after import rather than assuming perfect translation.

Can I go back to Eagle after importing my design into EasyEDA?

No, EasyEDA does not support exporting to Eagle format. The import is effectively one-way. You can export from EasyEDA to Altium format, and from there potentially convert to other tools, but direct Eagle export isn’t available. Keep your original Eagle files as backups—once you commit to EasyEDA, you’re committed unless you want to manually recreate the design or find a conversion path through another tool.

Should I use EasyEDA Standard or Pro for importing Eagle files?

Start with Standard edition for simple projects. It handles most straightforward imports well and requires no additional setup. Switch to Pro if Standard fails with errors, especially the “unexpected error while converting” message. Pro has more robust import handling and can process some files that Standard rejects. For complex multi-sheet schematics or boards with unusual features, going directly to Pro often saves time.

Why do my imported schematics show missing packages when I try to create a PCB?

This happens when schematic symbols import successfully but their associated footprints don’t. The fix depends on the cause: if you imported the schematic without extracting libraries, reimport using the “Import File and Extract Libs” option. If libraries aren’t available, import the Eagle .LBR files separately first, then import the schematic. For components that still show missing packages, you’ll need to manually assign footprints from EasyEDA’s library or create the missing footprints yourself.

Final Thoughts on Migrating from Eagle to EasyEDA

Moving your Eagle designs to EasyEDA represents a significant workflow change, but the migration process itself is more manageable than it might seem. The key is approaching it systematically: prepare your files carefully, import libraries before designs, verify results thoroughly, and don’t hesitate to try the Pro edition when Standard struggles.

For engineers with extensive Eagle libraries, the migration also presents an opportunity to clean house. Not every legacy footprint needs to come along—EasyEDA’s integrated LCSC library offers verified, manufacturing-ready components that may well replace custom parts you’ve maintained for years.

The transition does require patience. Some projects will import cleanly in minutes; others will need troubleshooting. But once your designs are in EasyEDA, you gain access to a capable, free platform with direct manufacturing integration and an active development team. For many engineers, that tradeoff proves worthwhile.

Start with a smaller project to learn the import process before tackling your most complex designs. The experience you gain on a simple board will make migrating larger projects much smoother.